Former President Donald Trump made headlines once again on Wednesday by paying for burgers with Bitcoin during a visit to PubKey, a Bitcoin-themed bar near New York University in Greenwich Village. The stop was part of his effort to connect with the digital-asset community as he campaigns for a return to the White House.
Trump, who was initially greeted by boos and shouts of “loser” from protesters outside, received a warmer welcome inside the dimly lit bar, where a mix of Bitcoin enthusiasts and his supporters applauded his arrival. “Who wants a burger?” he asked, before treating patrons to burgers and Diet Cokes. He spent $998.70 on the meal, which was paid for using Bitcoin via the Strike app, built on the Lightning Network. The transaction was facilitated by Zaprite, a payments app used by the bar.
“Bitcoin is really happening,” Trump declared, further fueling his growing interest in the cryptocurrency world. This visit followed a series of recent efforts by the Republican candidate to build relationships with crypto enthusiasts. In July, Trump spoke at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, where he promised to appoint crypto-friendly regulators and create a national Bitcoin reserve if re-elected.
The event marked the first time a former U.S. president has made a purchase using Bitcoin, according to PubKey co-founder Thomas Pacchia, who described Trump’s appearance as “huge” for the Bitcoin community. Pacchia sees this moment as a turning point for the cryptocurrency industry.
Trump’s overtures to the digital-asset community aren’t just about votes; he’s also promoting a new project called World Liberty Financial, a decentralized-finance initiative that aims to compete with traditional banks.
While some locals protested Trump’s presence, others saw his embrace of Bitcoin as a potential boon for the cryptocurrency. Matt Kita, a PubKey regular from Philadelphia, believes Trump’s pro-Bitcoin stance could attract voters who favor innovative approaches to regulation.
The protest outside the bar, organized by a group called Rise and Resist, was vocal but peaceful. Protesters held signs accusing Trump of fraud and played Taylor Swift songs to express their opposition.
Trump’s visit to PubKey shows his willingness to tap into the growing influence of the crypto community, positioning Bitcoin as a significant element in his campaign for the presidency.
Disclaimer:
Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and may carry significant risk. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct thorough research or consult with a financial professional before investing in cryptocurrencies.
